The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has explained why it dropped the money laundering charge against popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye Olanrewaju, aka, Bobrisky; and why it only prosecuted him for abuse of the Naira.
The anti-graft agency stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the Nigerian Correctional Service and the EFCC in Abuja on Monday.
It may be recalled that the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, on Friday, April 5, 2024, secured the conviction of Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, before Justice Abimbola Awogboro sitting at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos over mutilation of the Naira notes. Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in jail.
Then, sometime last week, Mr. Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, said that no money was received to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede said that in April, 2024, Bobrisky, while undergoing investigation, in his extra-judicial statement made a confession.
He said that Bobrisky was alleged to have failed to submit to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) a declaration of the activities of his firm, Bob Express.
According to Olukoyede, this is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“Notwithstanding the unequivocal confession of the now ex-convict admitting the essential ingredients, the prosecution in total fidelity and candor to its oath and strict adherence to professional practice of not only disclosing exculpatory documents to the defense.
“We received a report of the investigation activities from SCUML which showed that Bob Express is not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP).
“We then decided to drop the charge in the interest of justice and fair hearing, without any inducement or prompting of any sort from the defense, and in line with the mandate of the Special Task Force against Naira abuse,” he said.
Earlier, VDM had told the committee that he was in possession of more evidence yet to be released to the public, saying that he would continue to fight corruption.
He said that while other Nigerians are in jail for offenses committed, Bobrisky should not be given any form of special treatment.
“Nigeria is not for the godfathers, I will not allow corruption, if I see a secret about you, I will tell, I am being very honest, I will not fear anybody because Nigeria is going down.
“I will implore you people to do the right thing because the judiciary system is being messed up so bad, you people have to to save your face,” he said.
He, however, tendered some part of the evidence to the committee and promised to release more as the investigation progresses.
He told the committee to ensure that Bobrisky appears before it and not to tolerate any further disrespect from him.
In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia), said that Bobrisky must appear in person in their next hearing.
He demanded video footage of the activities of Bobrisky throughout his term in the correctional facility.
The chairman said that the accounts provided by VDM into which the alleged money for bribe was paid into will be investigated.
The hearing was then adjourned to a further date to announced.
NAN reports that Bobrisky was absent at the hearing and his counsel who came to represent him was not recognised to speak as he had no letter or approval to speak on his behalf.
